A Peculiar People

There are two Mormons running for president in our country right now. As always, our religion is being dissected, ridiculed, questioned, researched. No other candidates religion is being spoken of, but ours is. I'm always baffled to hear of people that speak out against us. We do no harm to anyone else. Why should any person mock any religion that teaches peace, hard-work, sacrifice, and love?

I know as a strong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I am a "peculiar person". I understand that my religion is unlike any other in the world. I understand that there are many things that are difficult to comprehend about its history and its teachings. However, it is the only religion on the earth today that is organized just as Jesus Christ's gospel was when he lived on the earth 2000 years ago. Because Jesus Christ is not on the earth today, we have a living prophet that receives revelation to guide us, just as prophets of old did. Because the priesthood has been restored, ours is the only religion that provides a way to be married and connected to our family not only in this life, but in the eternities as well. There were people in other areas of the earth in ancient times and they recorded their history, were visited by Christ after his death, and received his teachings as well, because Christ does not forget His people. This is the Book of Mormon.

Why would we make up that a 14-year old boy was visited by God the Father and His son, Jesus Christ, upon asking for sincere help in discovering which religion was true? We know it sounds hard to believe, but it happened. Joseph Smith was pure in heart and humble. He asked a divine question and received a divine answer, which is what I have done and what anyone can do.

Please don't tell me that I am not a Christian. I know with my whole heart that Jesus Christ died for my sins and because of that amazing sacrifice I can repent and live with Him again. Mormons are a "peculiar people", but we are a good people. I have been mocked for my beliefs, but I have never waivered in them. I believe in this religion because of the reasons stated above and so many more. I love this religion for its promises, strength, and structure and know that because of it I am a better woman, wife, and mother.